Abuse Victims' Camp Cover Story, Original Broadcast Date: November 26, 2004 (Show #813):

As children, they were victims of clergy sex abuse. Now, they have gathered at a remote farm near Louisville, Kentucky to share their painful stories and experiences in a special weekend retreat run by "The Linkup" -- an organization for survivors. While a number of Catholic bishops and religious orders have contributed to the project, known as "The Farm," there is no religious aspect to the program. The Church does not control it; it is not therapy, nor is it a faith experience. Judy Valente goes behind-the-scenes for a look at how survivors who come to this unique retreat are confronting their pain and moving beyond it toward healing and recovery. Sue Archibald with The Linkup observes, "The Farm is a special place . . . I think that you can get stuck in therapy where there's really nothing fresh or new. And it seems as though you almost need a catalyst to push you to the next level. And so, with the combination of experiences we have here, we hope that spark can be lit." And abuse victim Read Harris notes, "It's inspiring to be among people who are so determined to get their life back and to deal with their issues."

Featured (in alphabetical order):

Shannon Age
Sue Archibald, The Linkup
Yvonne Chisholm
Ray Coppola, Psychotherapist
Irene Deschenes
Read Harris
Ann Hitchins
Jackie Humphreys
John Scott
Tom Weiter